BOSTON, Sept. 25 (UPI) -- Nomar Garciaparra homered and drove in four runs Thursday night as Boston sailed into the playoffs with a 14-3 pounding of Baltimore.
Derek Lowe and three relievers combined on a four-hitter.
When Ramiro Mendoza struck out Brian Roberts looking to end the game, the Red Sox enjoyed a subdued celebration at the mound.
But a raucous Fenway Park crowd stood and cheered as Kevin Millar and David Ortiz took a microphone and thanked the fans. The Red Sox will travel to Oakland for Game 1 of the American League Division Series on Wednesday.
Clinching in its final home game of the season, Boston earned its postseason spot with a strong final month, going 16-7 in September.
It is the first playoff berth for Boston since 1999. The Red Sox have been the AL wild card team three times in the last six years.
